REVIEW: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo - £13 for 60ml 

7/10

What La Roche-Posay says: It is designed for oily skin with irregular texture, prone to imperfections, blemishes and sports. It unclogs pores and helps to purify and reduce the development of future breakouts. It also helps to reduce skin imperfections leaving skin looking clearer and feeling smoother. Apply morning and/or night to the entire face. Can be used as a make-up base.

What I say: I was a little sucker for the hype of this product and the fact that I couldn't find it for ages as it was sold out everywhere. I was like a woman possessed because it just made me want it even more but before I could get my hands on this I read so many great reviews. Now I don't actually think this lives up to the hype for the reason that it isn't designed for my skin type. I have dry/normal skin with a few spots here and there. I feel that it made my skin feel softer and smoother but didn't see that much of a change with my spots at all unfortunately. I'm not sure whether I am using incorrectly or that isn't designed for me. 

Pros:

- It made my skin feel a lot softer and more subtle.

- I feel like the packaging and the fact that it comes in a squeeze-ey tube 

- I think it is a great price £13 in Boots and usually they do offers and things - so you can pick it up for cheaper.

- I find that whilst is doesn't clear my blemishes it could be helping them stay at bay though I'm not sure whether that is just because my hormones have settled down. 

- Also lastly, I got told by a friend that she used it as a make-up base - clearly I never read the packaging and found it great way to keep my make up on. 

Cons:

- I find it a little stingy on my skin, I don't have particularly sensitive however it is quite dry and I know this is aimed at more oily type skin tones - which could be why it irritates a little.

- It doesn't clear up my spots or anything and I find that there is no change in the redness or appearance of them. 

Have you joined the La Roche Posay hype? What do you think?

Mac Viva Glam "Nicki" Lipstick

Mac Viva Glam Lipstick - Nicki - £14.00

9/10

What Mac says: "Mac and hip-hop diva Nicki Minaj join forces to create Viva Glam Nicki, a scene-stealing lipstick. The full RRP (less VAT) from the sale of this lipstick is paid to Mac Aids Funds and goes towards helping women, men and kids everywhere affected by HIV and AIDS. Limited Edition"

What I say: I know most people love Mac but for some reason I just have never been a Mac girl - I think it is because there has never been one that local to me. So at the grand old age of 23 this was my first Mac lipstick - I have used their face products before but never anything for the lips or eyes. 

The one thing that really drew me to this lipstick other than the colour was the fact that all the profit goes to charity and I thought that was really lovely. However, I did go to Mac Pro in Soho with the intention of buying a coral summer shade. The make up artist in there suggested this one straight away and once I had it on, I knew I was going to be taking it home with me. For me it is a very bold colour but I think it will look beautiful once the sun finally comes out. 

Pros:

- I love how bold it is, I tend to stick to nudes or bright reds for nights out, so this is a bit of a change for me.

- The colour lasts, it does kind of stain your lips but I don't mind that because it means it take a little longer until I feel the need to reapply. 

- It is highly pigmented and really thick so gives a full coverage in one application.

- I think for the quality it isn't that expensive and I will definitely be investing in some more Mac lipsticks.

Cons: 

- Most of my cons are personal preferences, for one I find this shade quite bold and I don't know how much everyday wear I could get out of it even though I love it. 

- You need to make sure you get all dry skin off your lips and use a balm before apply as this colour is so thick it will highlight any dryness (which most bold lipsticks would)

Have you tried anything from the Viva Glam Range? 

& Other Stories: Armure Plum Nail Colour

& Other Stories - Nail Colour in Armure Plum - £5

9/10

What I think: When it comes to nail varnishes I need one which is practically idiot proof, it needs to have a nice brush, good colour pigmentation and formula needs to dry quickly. I wasn't expecting anything amazing from these polishes, I just though they would be average. Though I was in store and in the need of a new deep purple polish. Thankfully sorting my nail varnish collection out has made me realise what colours I need to get rather than buying similar shades of what I already have (see post here) 

Pros: 

- I love the brush of this polishes, it is nice and wide and holds the polish on it well.

- The formula is great dries really quickly and brushes on well

- Lasts quite well too, I change my nails up a lot so I would say a good 3-4 days!

- Super glossy finishes

- One of the nicest polishes that I have used in a while will definitely be investing in some more. 

Cons: 

- For the desired effect you need to put 2-3 coats on, I personally put 3 on which I normally only put 2 on with most polishes. 

- I don't like that you have to peel that big sticker off to open the polish because I love the packaging until you need to open it. That and it leaves a sticky bit on the side which you have to clean off. 

I must say the next time I am up in Regents Street I will be getting some more from this collection, I'm just a gutted about the sticker situation.

Have you seem this new brand? Have you visited the store?